Queens’ Craft Fair Pops in Long Island City

Long Island City crafted last night with Queens’ Spring Craft Fair, shaping NYC’s season. Maker Tariq Evans sold wood carvings as 300 shopped a lot off Vernon, a $5 entry bash. It’s borough hands—free vibes, pure LIC soul. A kid nabbed a toy; a pro bagged a quilt. ‘Queens makes—this is it,’ Evans says, sanding blocks. The stalls turned workshop.

The fair’s fresh—March 26’s kickoff, it tripled since RSVPs, packing rows by 10 a.m. Evans, an Astoria carver; last night’s crowd hit max—tools hummed. A line snaked for soap; cash buzzed—NYC grit glowed. Runs one day—crafts ruled. #LICCraft trended; Brooklyn wants a stall.

Some griped—’Too dusty,’ sniped a shopper, dodging sawdust. Space squeezed—latecomers bumped; deals held. A table wobbled—propped quick; fair rolled. Manhattan wants in, but LIC owns it—hands rule. The lot’s never shaped so bold.

Evans hints at a spring encore, maybe a park if sales bite. ‘NYC’s craft—this builds it,’ he says, packing chisels. The fair’s a Queens win—grit meets glue. It’s a maker’s rush; catch the next. Bring a bag—finds call.